Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against
a Colwood couple following a BC SPCA investigation into a brutal attack on the
family’s dog. Joseph Jansen White, 41 and Elizabeth Sandee Johnston, 32
have been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada after their dog Bryn sustained
severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.

White is charged with causing unnecessary pain
and suffering to an animal, and failing to provide necessities of life for an
animal. His common-law spouse, Johnston is charged with failing to provide necessities
of life for an animal.

“When she came into our care Bryn had extensive
injuries to her head, torso, legs and teeth. Her skin was split open on the
top of her head and she had bruising around the right side of that injury, as
well as a swelling and broken front leg, lacerations under her left armpit and
abrasions on her front right leg,” says BC SPCA Constable Erika Paul.

“Originally, they phoned Victoria Animal
Control looking for someone to come and pick up their dog,” Paul said.
“They provided some details to animal control and animal control promptly
contacted us. We followed up and later that evening, [White] surrendered her
to us.”

Paul said the case differs from others in that
the owners of the injured dog reached out for help.

It’s alleged that a young, brindle-colored,
mixed-breed dog was struck repeatedly with a weapon, consistent with blunt-force
trauma, Paul said. Bryn is believed to be between three and four years old.

“Bryn also had significant bruising to
the right side of her torso, a broken canine tooth and was experiencing neurological
deficits that impacted her back legs, making it hard for her to stand or move
around.” Medical care was not sought for the dog until the BC SPCA became
aware of the case. The SPCA immediately rushed Bryn for emergency treatment
and launched a formal investigation into the beating.

“She’s such a gentle and sweet girl,
and quickly became a favorite with staff and volunteers,” says Annie Prittie
Bell, manager of the Victoria SPCA Branch. “She’s a lovely dog and
so eager to please.” Bryn is currently recovering in an SPCA foster home
and will be put up for adoption as soon as she is well enough.

White and Johnston will make their first court
appearance at the Western Communities Courthouse on June 26 at 9 a.m.Photo's courtesy of the SPCA
The dog, Bryn, suffered a number of injuries, including bruising on her torso
and a broken tooth as well as brain injuries. She had a broken leg, a gash to
an armpit and a head wound. The dog is healing from many of her injuries
and one of two dental surgeries. Once the dog has healed, she will be
available for adoption.